Vivian Commons

Funeral services for Vivian E. Commons, 89, Lawrence, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at First Christian Church in Lawrence. A burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Vivian passed away Sunday, October 8, 2023, at her home.

Vivian was born on February 15, 1934, in Lawrence, KS, the daughter of Marian and Elizabeth (Swain) Skinner.

She married Edwin Commons on May 29, 1951, in Berryville, AR. He survives at home.

Other survivors include her sons, Bill Commons, Greg (Sherri) Commons, Dana Commons, seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and five great great-grandchildren.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, son, Brad Commons, brother, Clayton Skinner, and sister, Betty Bunce.

She was a member of First Christian Church, worked at Hallmark Cards for nearly 12 years, drove a school bus for the handicapped and even owned an antique store with her sister, Betty, but her favorite job of all was being a homemaker and mother to her four boys. Vivian was not only most known for her warm personality and smiling face but also for the creativity and love she put into everything she touched. Crafting was a way of life for her whether it was learning to toll paint, decorating her home, cooking large meals for family gatherings, drying and pressing the beautiful flowers she grew and turning them into greeting cards, hand-making Christmas ornaments, crocheting and sewing – all these amazing creations were made with love to be shared with her friends, family and some, even sold at craft shows. Vivian was also an amazing seamstress! She not only taught her granddaughters how to sew but she made them outfits as they grew that even included prom dresses, but she didn't stop there – she designed and created outfits for all the beautiful handmade Santas she was well known for creating. Furthermore, she especially had a love for quilting – always making use of her leftover fabrics from previous projects! She especially enjoyed collaborating on quilting designs with her daughter in law, Sherri, and niece, Shelly over the years because everything was always a family affair with Vivian. Her legacy is one that her joy in sharing her time, creativity and knowledge with others will live on forever in our homes and hearts.

The family suggests memorials in Vivian's name to Alpha Christian Children's Home and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.